Happy Birthday Nana and Josh

We are thinking of you both today.

Seagull #8

Abby was in the play "Treasure Island" a few weeks ago. Her elementary school has worked with the Missoula Children's Theater company the last two years to put on musical productions. The most interesting part is that the whole process takes just one week. They being with auditions on Monday and by Friday morning they are ready to do a dress rehearsal for the student body. They have two performances on Saturday and then they are done! It was very cute and very well done (for just one week!). We were proud of Abby and she was very excited to be part of the action.

The Best Thing About Our Christmas Vacation

Watching my kids learn to ski from the cozy comfort of the Brighton Lodge was by far the most exciting and awesome thing I have done in a long time. They were amazing! We got a private lesson for the three of them with Dave. They loved him. They loved skiing. I couldn't have been more proud! Can't wait to do it again.

To Sum it Up

I believe I told you that it was a bad idea to invite us over. Some of you didn't listen and invited us anyway. Luckily, you are family and have to like us even when.....

A police officer shows up during Christmas Dinner because some little person dialed 911.

Hmmm.. Maybe she wanted another ride.

A pencil is found and some little person decides a door is a great place to color.

Always looking so innocent..... Or freezing. Hard to tell.

A cute, glass, snowman cup holding hershey kisses crashes to the floor and shatters when some little person tries to get if off the counter.

It's easier to ask forgiveness than permission. But not very much fun to get nothing at all.

A glass picture frame is broken and a little cousin is injured (not by the picture frame, but by a toy being thrown at him) when some little person gets very hyper when babysitters are in charge.

He does look rather menacing in this picture. He was very sorry. I promise.

A toilet overflows and FLOODS a bathroom when some little person uses WAY too much toilet paper - GROSS!

Yay- that was just GROSS Madi. Let's not do that again, ok?

I need another vacation - by myself- to recover from the vacation we just took. I think vacation is the wrong word to use when traveling with kids. It's probably a good thing the damage and destruction was shared among three houses rather than all piled on one household.

I know they will grow up and it will get easier. It would just be nice if someone could tell me WHEN!!!!!

And, interestingly enough, our oldest and generally most difficult child didn't do anything on the list above. Hmmmm... maybe she actually is growing up!!!!

What Chase Learned about High School Today

We frequently see the high school cross country team running through town after school. Today we saw them running through the neighborhood. Since we have discussed the team before and who they are and what they are doing, today Madison said, "Those are high schooler, right?" They were slowing down and they all looked wiped out- so I made some comment about how they looked tired and hot. Most of the boys were shirtless and sweaty. Apparently, Chase was studying them carefully.

As we drove past Chase declared, "Mom, you know I know all about high schoolers."

I said, "Really, what do you know Chase."

"High schoolers only have pants."

It took me just a few seconds to burst out laughing. I am sure Chase is looking forward to those carefree shirtless high school days. I don't even think he noticed the fully clothed girls.

Don't invite us over....

'Cause we're just trouble.

Last night, at a Halloween Party, I heard a crash, breaking glass, and then silence. The whole party stopped to look at the cutest little one year old stinker who had just knocked over a large vase. Sad part is, when I saw the large vases on the floor earlier I thought "Mason's going to get a hold of those..." Gotta learn to listen to that voice a little better!

"What? I didn't know it would do that, Mom! I don't want to apologize to the Bishop!"

Almost an exact quote. At about 11:58 am this morning, at the Danville LDS Stake Center, a very LOUD alarm stopped everyone in their tracks. We all just froze in the Primary room and then looked to the Bishop, now Stake President, who just happened to be visiting Primary. He left the room, at which time someone else came into the room and announced, "Mr. Beckstead has found the fire alarm handle." I instructed the Primary to listen to the closing prayer and then leave, but once the prayer was done they all still stayed in their seats. It was LOUD! I went and found Chase, who was with his Dad, and had a little conversation.

He never did apologize to the Bishop/Stake President (hard to know what to call him - I guess technically he still has both callings.) Luckily the Bishop/Stake President is a very loving, understanding man, with children of his own. Chase will probably never do it again. (hopefully)

It's just another day in the life around here. I wonder when we will stop bringing havoc, destruction and chaos with us wherever we go? Someday I am sure. But for now, I need a nap.

Today

This little baby threw my phone in the toilet this afternoon, then swirled it around with the toilet brush. Ugh.

This little girl got to go on a field trip to In-N-Out today. We are trying out a new plan with her medication and today was a great day! But you know when one calms down the others start to go crazy. They just take turns.

Don't be deceived by the smile. This one gave the dentist such a hard time this morning. She kept pulling off the nitrous (aka happy air) and would refuse to open her mouth. I love the kids Dentist. She is AWESOME. I, on the other hand, was not awesome and had to leave the room because I was getting so mad at Madi's antics.

And like most days, this little guy was just along for the ride. I'm glad he's so good natured. Most of the time. He spent the afternoon carrying around a "pumpkin lantern" he made out of a paper bag, stuffed with newspaper, painted orange. He has the best preschool teacher. Really, she's awesome. They made apple pie today, but aren't going to eat it until tomorrow. Can't wait to hear how our carnivore enjoys a pie made out of a fruit he refuses to eat.